Top 8 Romantic Places in China for Couples and Honeymooners

Top 8 Romantic Destinations in China

1. Beijing: The Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China

As the historic heart of China, Beijing is a must-visit for couples who love culture and romance. Walking its old streets feels like stepping back in time.

The city’s two most iconic landmarks, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, offer unforgettable experiences. Stroll through the Forbidden City to imagine the lives of emperors, or walk hand in hand along the Great Wall, where sweeping mountain views create a dramatic backdrop for love.

For a more intimate memory, join a Beijing cultural tour and learn to make traditional dumplings (jiaozi) with a local family. Whether exploring royal palaces or sharing handmade food, Beijing is a top romantic destination in China for couples and honeymooners.

2. Guilin: Li River

For couples seeking natural beauty, Guilin in southern China is unforgettable. Its idyllic scenery, karst hills, bamboo forests, rice paddies, and the timeless sight of fishermen with cormorants create one of the most romantic backdrops in China.

The highlight is the Li River, where you can take a peaceful cruise or enjoy a bike ride along the riverbanks. With dramatic landscapes reflected in the water, Guilin is often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth, making it a perfect honeymoon escape.

3. Hong Kong: Victoria Harbour

For couples who love vibrant cityscapes, Hong Kong offers the perfect mix of tradition and modernity. Here, serene temples stand beside soaring skyscrapers, and quiet parks contrast with bustling markets.

The highlight is Victoria Harbour, where the glittering skyline lights up the night. A romantic evening cruise lets couples admire the dazzling city lights, while strolling through Old Town Central reveals colonial-era streets, art galleries, and hidden cafés. Hong Kong’s unique blend of East and West makes it a top romantic destination in China.

4. Zhangjiajie

For couples who love breathtaking landscapes, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a dreamlike destination. Known for its towering sandstone pillars and lush forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

Romantic highlights include watching the sunset from scenic viewpoints or dining at restaurants with panoramic views. Adventurous couples can cross the famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, suspended above the Grand Canyon, for a thrilling “walk on air.” With its mix of natural wonder and cultural experiences, Zhangjiajie is one of China’s most unforgettable honeymoon spots.

5. Hangzhou: West Lake

Often called the “soul of Hangzhou,” West Lake is one of China’s most romantic destinations. With willow-lined waters, pagoda-topped hills, and arched stone bridges, it looks like a living Chinese landscape painting.

Couples can stroll or bike around the lake, take a peaceful boat ride, or watch the sunset over Leifeng Pagoda from the Bai Causeway. For a more intimate moment, enjoy a cup of Dragon Well Tea at a lakeside teahouse. Adding to the romance are the legends tied to West Lake, especially the famous Legend of Lady White Snake, where love blossomed on the Broken Bridge.

6. Suzhou: Water Towns

For couples seeking peace and charm, the water towns near Suzhou, such as Zhouzhuang and Tongli, are perfect romantic getaways. Nicknamed the “Venice of the East,” these ancient towns feature winding canals, stone bridges, and lantern-lit streets that exude timeless beauty.

Strolling hand in hand along flagstone streets, past traditional mansions and workshops, feels like stepping into another era. A boat ride through the canals offers quiet moments and glimpses of local life, making it one of the most romantic things to do near Shanghai and Suzhou.

7. Shanghai: The Bund

For couples who love dazzling cityscapes, The Bund is Shanghai’s most romantic landmark. On one side, colonial-era buildings line the promenade; on the other, Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers light up the night across the Huangpu River.

The best time to visit is after sunset. Share a candlelit dinner with skyline views, stroll the 1.5-kilometer riverside walkway, and end the night with a Huangpu River cruise. With its mix of history, glamour, and glowing lights, The Bund guarantees an unforgettable romantic evening in Shanghai.

8. Chengdu: Panda Breeding Sanctuary

No trip to China is complete without seeing its most beloved animal—the giant panda. In Chengdu, the world’s largest panda breeding and research base offers couples a chance to watch pandas of all ages, from playful cubs to gentle adults, in a natural setting.

Visiting the sanctuary isn’t just adorable but also educational. You’ll learn about panda conservation, hear the stories of individual pandas, and experience firsthand why these gentle creatures symbolize love and peace in Chinese culture. For animal-loving couples, Chengdu is a heartwarming honeymoon stop.